Monday, September 30, 2019

No Longer a Spiritual Orphan


By Andrea Merrell

 For it was always in his perfect plan to adopt us 
as his delightful children,
through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace—for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure!
Ephesians 1:5-6 TPT 

I’ve loved the Lord as far back as I can remember, but for a large portion of my life I doubted His love for me. In my own mind, I simply wasn’t good enough and didn’t deserve the blessings and promises laid out in His Word. Those were for everyone else … not me.

I was a spiritual orphan. Born again but standing on the outside looking in. Whenever bad things happened, I was sure it was somehow my fault or God was displeased with me. I was the glass-half-empty gal with low expectations.

As pastor and author Chad Norris says in his book Mama Jane’s Secret, “Spiritual orphans are always dominated by what they can see, taste, touch, feel, and hear.” In other words, we are ruled by our senses and emotions rather than our faith.

Norris goes on to say, “Those at the King’s table trust His Word no matter what the natural says, because the Word matters more than what we can see, taste, touch, feel, or hear.”

My transformation came when the revelation of God’s love—for me—literally exploded on the inside. My true identity became a reality. No longer a spiritual orphan, I recognized myself as a loved and cherished child of God. Every blessing and promise in His Book belong to me. All I have to do is believe and receive.

If you doubt your standing in God’s kingdom and feel you don’t measure up, there’s good news for you. He is standing with arms wide open waiting for you, His child in whom He takes great delight.

Run into His arms. You are no longer a spiritual orphan.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and tuelekza.)



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2 comments:

  1. I loved this Andrea. I really like the wording of the Bible verse, too. I have never read anything from the Passion Translation. The descriptive words really bring this verse to life. I find your message today an affirmation from God as I am preparing to speak at a women's retreat in a couple of weeks and I believe the most important part of my message is speaking to the women about God's love for them. I, too, was a spiritual orphan, and when I realized God's love for me, you described it perfectly as an explosion from the inside. Thanks for all your wonderful devotions and your consistency to bring the Word of God before others. Blessings to you!

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  2. Wow, Sheryl. Thank you so much for your kind, generous, and encouraging words. I believe too many people, especially women, are walking around with the spiritual orphan tag. I'm also speaking to a ladies' event in a few weeks, and my topic is Finding Your True Identity ... in Christ. It's all about God's love and purpose for them. You are such a blessing. I would love to connect with you on Twitter and Facebook.

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